The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:

Minister Recognizes Safe and Caring Schools

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to announce that during Violence Awareness Week, 38 schools were recognized for their efforts in achieving safe, caring and inclusive learning environments, promoting positive school climates, and sustaining safe and caring communities.

To help with these efforts, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development provided $20,000 shared among the 38 schools through the Safe and Caring Schools Special Project Awards.

Mr. Speaker, ensuring the students of Newfoundland and Labrador have a positive, safe and caring environment in which to learn is a key priority for this government. Our Safe and Caring Schools Policy helps to establish this climate.

As part of Violence Prevention Week, K-12 students from across the province participated in various activities to promote Pink Shirt Day. This year, students were asked to think about a “Pink Shirt Promise” they could make to combat bullying. I was fortunate to participate in one such event at St. Francis of Assisi School in Outer Cove and I was amazed at the enthusiasm and level of understanding on display. We created important awareness that bullying is not acceptable and we all play a role in preventing it.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable members of this House to join me in congratulating this year’s recipients of the Safe and Caring Schools Special Project Awards. A complete list of this year’s award winners can be found on the department’s web site.